[GD13] PF2e - 04-07: A Most Wondrous Exchange (P2) (Inactive)

Game Master UncleFroggy

She is pulled into the dreamscape, The painful experiences of past interacitons with spirits had forged her into this path, and so she thrives into the feelings that this dreamscape may bring,

Ocultism 1: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

Ocultism 2: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Religion: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 1 = 13
Hero Point: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 1 = 21

Religion: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30

Sturdy as stone, Hornbori concentrates on his faith as he navigates the harrowing mindscape.

Khaul and Anabelle find themselves in a dark room scented with pesh. Glimpses of shadowy figures chanting in some foul language also flicker in their vision. Drilwenas is able to identify the language as demonic while Hornbori can see a ritual circle.

More randomness: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Please make your checks for rds 3 and 4

"Pesh... cruel drug. " spits Khaul, unimpressed with it.
"Some religions use it to keep their worshippers in line. None of the dwarven ones " he adds.

religion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
religion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
HP that crit fail: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

It's really hard to stay together in this mindscape, and Nal has to tamp down her rising panic as she loses track of where some of her allies are. I can't keep them safe if they're not here! Please! Help me find them! She calls out to whichever gods will listen.

Religion DC 22, Round 3: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Crit fail
Religion DC 22, Round 4: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Crit fail

The gods are busy playing pinochle; she ends up even more lost than before.

Abyssal lore, DC 18: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 - 1 = 15

Abyssal lore, DC 18: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 1 = 23

The ifrit continues to navigate with some difficulties in the mindscape.

Remember +2 from the chain...

Ocultism rnd 3: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

Ocultism rnd 4: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Henri continues cautiously navigating the mindscape, conscious to steel his mind for anything he sees that does not make sense.
Round 3: DC 22 Religion: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 1 = 26 to navigate mindscape
Round 4: DC 22 Religion: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 1 = 17 to navigate mindscape

Will Save (DC 19): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Religion, Rd 3: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 1 = 26
Religion, Rd 4: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 1 = 29

Dumbounded, Hornbori gapes at something only he can see and whispers "Mister Snappers? No!"

Steeling his resolve despite the unfamiliar imagery, he fights off the vision and moves forward through the alien mindscape.

Hornbori suddenly sees something nobody else can see and cries out. He manages to steel his resolve but ends up with a splitting headache. You see more images from Omira's past. A sinister looking item being destroyed by Omira, followed by some fearsome wolflike creature. Then...

you suddenly find yourselves waking up in Omira's back room. Somehow you've been removed from the mindscape without the complete story.

"Well? Were you able to recover my memories?" Omira asks, anxious.

The ifrit is quite a bit aside of the memories themselves. So he prefers to let his companions explain the story to Omira.

It takes a moment for Nal's head to clear enough to realize where she is. She lets out a whooshing breath, deeply relieved to see all her teammates back in one piece. "I wasn't, but I got separated from everyone else. How did you guys fare? Is anyone hurt?"

"First I saw Spiraling sets of stairs, weaving through one another in a byzantine pattern, lead up and down from a central platform. Doors were interspersed along their paths in improbable locations, and it be difficult to make sense of where one path ends and another begins. Every so often, a bright purple door appeared in view, though it seems to vanish whenever I be tryin to view it directly."

"Then the scene changed and I found meself in a dark room scented with pesh. Glimpses of shadowy figures chanting in some foul language also flickered in me vision.

"Anyone else get some more?"

Hornbori?

"I can't remember anything useful. My head just hurts." Henri scratches his head. "But there is this purple door, indeed. It is so evasive to be seen like it is trying to hide, but is is also trying to show itself for us to follow."

Omira appears disturbed by your revelations. She sighs, "I'll keep investigating this but you have my thanks for trying." Taking the parchment, she examines it closely. Omira gasps and her eyes fill with tears.

"This details the fate of one of my former companions, Mauhrim. We were separated in the tomb when a hallway collapsed. Trapped below in the tomb’s vault, Mauhrim observed that the sarcophagus exuded a dark miasma that appeared to be slowly rebuilding the corpse within. He knew he did not stand a chance of being rescued, he wrote down his findings and pushed the parchment through a crack in the stone ceiling, hoping someone would eventually discover his warning."

Omira regains her composure as she dries her tears. "Please take this item as thanks for trying to help me regain my memories."

She hands you a Rank 1 Wand of Longstrider.

You know the Pathfinder Society will be interested in this account of an ancient tomb and its potentially undead inhabitant. You head back to Biglock to report.

Zarta and Biglock listen attentively as you report your findings with Omira.

Biglock and Mr. Glovely now present you with a phylactery of faithfulness contained within a greater sealing chest. The box is engraved with beautiful roses and Shelynite iconography, but a shadowy miasma surrounds it, and the parchment scroll that should be inside is missing.

"Careful when you handle the box inside there," Biglock warns, as Mr. Glovely holds out a small chest. "Seems it has some sort of curse on it. Judging by the nice roses, it used to be dedicated to Shelyn, but see those shadows? It’s been corrupted somehow, slowly realigning it to Zon-Kuthon. Weird, huh? Not only that, it radiates a sense of undeath, but none of the usual purifications have worked. Zarta thinks the proprietor of the Resplendent Rose, Ralliadra, might be able to make sense of it. She’s a devotee of Shelyn, but apparently, she used to be a Kuthite. I wouldn’t ask her too much about that, though… people can be sensitive about their pasts, and you wouldn’t want to be rude, would you?"

Biglock lends you a moderate thurible of revelation for this mission.
(Please designate a character to take it)

In short order, you arrive at the Resplendent Rose. A brightly colored stained glass roof, portraying a mosaic of Shelyn’s religious symbol, crowns this building, with its many windows flung open to let in the fresh air. The cheerful jingle of wind chimes mingles with the sound of a woman singing in Elven, her voice beautifully haunting. A garland of spiked chains drapes around the arched front door, intertwined with blooming rose vines. Inside, the walls are lined with musical instruments on shelves, along with colorful weapons and armor. At the corner of the room sits a small stage, with chairs scattered in front of it, and the scent of freshly baked cookies drifts from a door ajar at the back of the shop.

"Ah! Well met, friends. I am Ralliada. I'd just finished this batch. Would you like some?" she asks, offering you a plate of cookies.

Khaul eyes up the spiked chain decorations with interest.
"Before we partake of your delicious smelling cookies.." he begins.

The dwarf gestures at the spiked chains. "They be something I'd not be expecting to see in a house with a mosaic looking like that.." he gestures towards the inlaid windows.

Myrsa interrupts, obviously slightly put out by Khaul's abrupt manner.

"What a lovely place you have here. Me.. that is My carrier here really can be quite blunt at times. We were hoping to discuss a matter of some confidence with you, but perhaps outside of public ears."

diplomacy(make an impression): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

The ifrit likes cookies very much. But the problem with the cookies is that Catlyn can’t barely eat one without it’s burnt before eaten. And then it’s less good of course. With the meat the fire allows to cook it well before the eating. But well it was not the consideration here.

So he simply strokes his fiery leopard.

I suggest Henri carry the moderate thurible of revelation. If he declines and no one else takes it, Nal can be the backup.

Nal smiles warmly and accepts one cookie. "Thank you, Ralliada! ... Mmmm! These are delicious!" After swallowing, she introduces herself. "I'm Nal. We're from the Pathfinder Society. Zarta Dralneen suggested we check in with you about something, as Myrsa said." She gestures to the shield as if it's perfectly normal for shields to talk.

Henri will take the thurible.

Henri takes the thurible from Biglock before they leave. Upon arrival, Henri silently receives the cookies being offered to them and takes a bite to taste it.

Hornbori eyes the decor with interest, but says nothing. The loquacious shield of his fellow dwarf seems to have it handled, leaving him more time to sample cookies.

"Don't mind if I do."

"Good. Good. So what may I help you with today?" she asks.

"The Pathfinder Society would like to draw on your expertise regarding a certain phylactery of faithfulness inside the great sealing chest we have with us." Henri motions to his ally holding the chest, indicating they should show it to Ralliadra. "The box is engraved with beautiful roses and Shelynite iconography, but a shadowy miasma surrounds it, and the parchment scroll that should be inside is missing, as we are told. As a devotee of Shelyn, I hope you can explain more about this phylactery."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

Ralliada pales as Henri shows her the phylactery. She tries to deflect away from the subject but Henri's calm demeanor leads her to believe that she can trust you. Taking a deep breath, she leads you into the back room.

She takes out a rolled parchment—the sort belonging to a phylactery of faithfulness—from a drawer, inscribed with Shelynite prayers but wreathed in shadows.

"This was brought to me by someone who found it at an antique sale in the city; they hoped I could purify it, but so far, I've been unable to. Worse, an eerie, mournful singing sometimes emanates from the parchment at night, accompanied by a ghostly harp, and at times I've found myself standing over the parchment when I awaken, singing along with the wordless melody. I haven't asked for help but I've run out of ideas to fix the problem. I fear that my past may somehow be bringing on this strange haunting, although rationally I know that’s unlikely."

When you take the phylactery out of its box, the shadows around both it and the parchment begin to roil.

DC 18 Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

"They're calling a spirit!" Nal warns. "But it can't work unless the two are brought together. ... So we should prepare for whatever comes out of there before we do that." She moves to the other side so there's a chance that she'll be able to flank the spirit easily when it appears.

Just before the pieces are brought together, Nal will cast Bless, then Shield. It's not certain that the spirit will be violent (she's met one that wasn't), but the odds tend to favor that outcome.

What's this?

is thinking the ifrit looking at the outcome of the parchment and the box.

After Nal's words he doesn't doubt that something nasty is going on. So he prepares himself to act if needed.

"You are right," Henri agrees to Nal. "Would you like us to bring the parchments together?" he asks the woman. "We are not sure what will happen next if we do though."

"As a Shelynite, what does the shadow mean? It looks to me that Shelyn is the opposite of something related to shadows, as far as I know..."

Khaul nods as Nal describes the items powers. "I think yer have it lassie. And me bones are tellin me the shadowy spirit may be not havin our best wishes in mind.."

Randomness: 1d4 ⇒ 1

One round after the shadows begin moving, a ghost manifests in front of you! The ghost doesn't appear to be hostile but it's madly waving its arms and saying "Burble! Burble burble! Glub!" at you, making it difficult for you to talk to them coherently.

Ralliadra's eyes widen as the ghost manifests itself. "I know of a Shelynite ceremony that can purify the phylactery and lay the ghost to rest."

The purification process takes three stages, in which one PC rolls the primary check; this PC can change between stages.
DC: 20 unless otherwise indicated
1st Stage: The PC must attempt a Performance/Religion check to begin the ritual song.
2nd Stage: The PC must attempt an Occultism check to talk to the ghost or Perception check to Sense Motive to determine what’s tying them to the phylactery.
3rd Stage: TBD

In each stage, Ralliadra can Aid your Diplomacy, Performance, Religion, or Shelyn Lore check with a +1 circumstance bonus, though she will only do so for the PC who earned her trust (i.e. Henri). Other PCs can also aid. If you fail a check, you can try again but if you fail three times, bad things will happen. Crit failing a check will have even worse consequences so try not to do so!

For Stage 1, Henri will take the primary role.

Henri, guided by Ralliadra’s teachings, chants the ritual song with steady focus. As he does, he swings a thurible, letting fragrant smoke rise and swirl around them, adding to the ritual’s power.
Religion w +2 item bonus fr moderate thurible of revelation, +1 circumstance bonus from Ralliadra's Aid: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 29

Henri has Perception +13 but has Occultism +0.

"Sounds like they're drowning." Nal observes uneasily. That's a fate she hopes never to experience.

As Henri sets up the ritual, Nal assists by setting up the items and chanting with him.

Religion to Aid Henri, base DC 15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

She nods at him to continue to Stage 2.

Khgaul nods. "Water... often the problem."

aid religion DC15: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
perception aid DC15: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

"Those arms could be swimmin motions too!"

The ifrit is no use in the situation. So he continues to stroke his fiery leopard waiting for things to calm down.

Henri begins the ritual song and manages to communicate with the ghost! The ghost speaks in a hollow tone, as if communicating from the other end of a long tunnel.

"I am ... was ... called Demran. I was a priest of Zon-Kuthon who converted to Shelyn’s faith long ago. I crafted this phylactery but one of my former colleagues killed me and corrupted the sacred object as retribution for my perceived betrayal."

Final Skill check:
DC 20 Religion
DC 17 Shelyn Lore

Henri has a combined +14 to Religion if he makes the check

Khaul sighs. "[b]Tis a sad story. I have heard a tale or two of priests within dwarven society changin their allegiance too. And even when between allied gods... there be still bad blood.[/]b"

religion(aid): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Pity I'm not playing this with Itka, my witch whose former patron was Zon Kuthon. She'd have some strong opinions!

"That's awful!" People can do such awful things in the name of religion. Although in this case, there doesn't seem to be any hypocrisy. Nal's read enough about Zon Kuthon to know that such torment would be considered a blessing to his followers. She shudders and prays to Shelyn to right this wrong.

Religion to Aid Henri, base DC 15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Hero Point Reroll: Religion to Aid Henri, base DC 15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

"A dwarf does not change allegiances without great cause," says Hornbori. "What's right is right and there's no denying it or shirking it."

Religion (Aid): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

While concerned about the situation she seems to be reluctant at first to work thru it, too many dangerous spirtis she has seen on the forest with her teacher, but she passes this to help out, maybe that way one person at least could heal from their problems

Religion Aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

As he can't do anything more the ifrit simply adds: Hello Demran.

Nal, keep the HP. Khaul's aid roll is a crit success so it bumps up the bonus to +2

Henri Religion: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

Demran turns at smiles at Drilwenas as Henri succeeds in purifying the phylactery. Demran again smiles at all of you and disappears. The shadows fade from the box and Ralliadra is mighty impressed.

"I thank you for your help in setting the tortured soul free. Take these as a token of my esteem. Know that you are always welcome in my shop."

She hands you a set of holy prayer beads, attuned to Shelyn.

It seems everything is right here.

Catlyn seems pleased stretching around.

She takes the thanks and smiles at her

Thank you very much, We aprreciate your help, And Thank you for the hospitalty of your store, I'll be sure to return to visit whne around the Bazaar

Myrsa chimes in "It was lovely to meet you. Sorry that Khaul is a little blunt at times."

Updates later today. I ran out of time last time -- sorry to leave it hanging

You leave Ralliadra's store and head back to Biglock. You suddenly hear a loud buzzing noise. You turn a corner and see four nasty looking creatures in front of you. Up on a balcony is a grubby looking dude in a robe and what could only be described as a crazed look. He sees you and shouts madly "Death to traitors to Cheliax and those you associate with her! Attack!"

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COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1
Tactical Map
------------------
Those with ** may go

**Hornbori - AC 26 92/108
**Anabelle - AC 23 71/71; Galileo AC 22 66/66
**Drilwenas - AC 23 (24 w/shield) 78/78; Catlyn AC 20 39/39
**Khaul - AC 26 (28 w/shield; Myrsa: Hardness 13; 120/120) 115/115
Blue
Nal Bagura - AC 22 68/68
Yellow
Larcius (Pink)
Henri Hart - AC 22 (23 w/shield) 58/58
White
Red

Khaul steps forward, hefts Myrsa "Kin yer see okay from there?" and sends his hammer slamming into the blue figure before him.

strike: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
B damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 2) + 4 = 13 Double that plus knock prone.

"Or perhaps yer would be better off runnin."

◆ Step
◆ Raise shield
◆ Strike

Khaul steps up, draws his hammer and clobbers Blue, knocking it flat.

EDIT - Apologies. I goofed on this one. Misread the stats for Blue. It's nearly dead but not quite.

------------------
COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1
Tactical Map
------------------
Those with ** may go

**Hornbori - AC 26 92/108
**Anabelle - AC 23 71/71; Galileo AC 22 66/66
**Drilwenas - AC 23 (24 w/shield) 78/78; Catlyn AC 20 39/39
Khaul - AC 26 (28 w/shield; Myrsa: Hardness 13; 120/120) 115/115
Blue (-21; Prone; OG)
Nal Bagura - AC 22 68/68
Yellow
Larcius (Pink)
Henri Hart - AC 22 (23 w/shield) 58/58
White
Red

An ambush, why in the world, observing the fallen creature, she tries to gather what she knows aboit them , casting a blessing spell .

◆ - Recall knolwedge on Blue,- Realigion? ( +11 ) - WEakness. particularly silver or cold iron if any of those are in the lot. ◆◆ - Bless spell